Outdoor Program Guidebook

 

 

Troop 93

 

Lincoln, Nebraska

 

Cornhusker Council’s Premier Outdoor Unit

 

 

Revised January 1, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

  1. Outdoor Activities

  2. Venture Patrol

  3. Outdoor Program Committee

  4. Summer Camp

  5. Camping

  6. Hiking

  7. Canoeing

  8. Backpacking

  9. Cycling

  10. Wilderness Survival

  11. Outdoor Ethics

  12. Troop 93 Distinguished Outdoorsman Award

  13. Troop 93 Distinguished Outdoor Leader Award

  14. Outdoor Awards

 

I.  Outdoor Activities

Participation in outdoor activities is one of the primary methods of Scouting.  In March of 2001, the Troop Committee established a formalized outdoor program that focuses on a wide variety of traditional outdoor activities.  The purpose of the outdoor program is to instill in Scouts a great appreciation of the outdoors and to help them learn skills that can be utilized throughout their lives.

 

The Troop’s outdoor program currently focuses on the following areas:

 

 

There are three types of outdoor activities that include:

 

Day-Treks

Day treks are activities that don’t require overnight stays. Examples are hikes, climbs, canoeing skill practice, etc. Effort is made to include the majority of the Scouts in the troop in these activities.

 

Mini-Treks

Mini-treks are primarily weekend trips that may be planned in order to meet merit badge requirements, prepare for high adventure trips or simply to fulfill a common desire to engage in particular activity. Effort is made to include younger Scouts in these activities.

 

High Adventure Treks

High adventure treks are extended (at least 5 days) trips generally undertaken in a backcountry setting.  A Scout must be a member of the Venture Patrol in order to participate in a Troop-sponsored high adventure trek.

 

The Venture Patrol shall develop a three-year rolling high adventure plan that is to be submitted to the Troop Committee annually for approval. The purpose of this plan is to provide an incentive for older Scouts to remain active with the troop and to give potential event participants the time needed to plan for the event.

 

Any Scout or Scouter who helps plan and participates in three high adventure treks with a minimum of 5 days per trek in the backcountry will be awarded the BSA Backcountry Leadership Award.

 

II.  Venture Patrol

In December of 2004, the Troop Committee and the Patrol Leader’s Council approved the formation of a Venture Patrol. To be a member of the Venture Patrol a Scout must:

 

·         Commit to participating in a high adventure trek or activity

·         Have attained the rank of First Class

·         Be at least 13 years old by the time he will undertake a high adventure trek (a Scout may join the patrol on January 1st of the year that he turns 13)

 

The Venture Patrol elects its own leadership (patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, quartermaster, etc.). The Venture Patrol Leader is a member of the Patrol Leaders Council and acts as a liaison between patrol members, the PLC and the Outdoor Program Committee.

 

Venture patrol members retain membership in their regular troop patrols for all non-high adventure activities.  

 

Venture Patrol members are designated by the “Venture” strip worn over the right pocket of their Class A uniforms.

 

The patrol is advised by the Assistant Scoutmaster—Venture.

 

III.  Outdoor Program Committee

The Outdoor Program Committee (OPC) is a sub-committee of the Troop Committee. The primary purpose of the OPC is to work with Troop leadership in scheduling and carrying out outdoor activities. The OPC meets 30 minutes prior to the Troop Committee meeting (usually on the last Sunday of the month) at South Gate United Methodist Church. Members shall include but are not limited to:

 

Outdoor Program Committee Chairman

Kevin Hammond

Assistant Scoutmaster - Venture

Kevin Hammond

Venture Patrol Leader

Todd Mooring

Scoutmaster (ex officio member)

Rich Lowery

Backpacking Counselors

Steve Christianson

Mike Flanagin

Camping Counselors

Dan Bryant

Ray Muir

Neal Clayburn

Canoeing Counselors

Mark Mayer

Bryan Stowe

Cycling Counselors

Dave Miller

Ray Muir

Greg Nelson

Hiking Counselors

Jeff Horne

Mike Flanagin

Outdoor Ethics Counselors

Bill Smith

Kevin Hammond

 

Committee members may serve in more than one capacity.

 

The primary responsibilities of the Outdoor Program Committee are:

 

 

Decision Making Protocol

Scouts in the Troop are surveyed by as to their outdoor interests prior to the annual Troop Program Planning Conference usually held in June. Results of the survey will used by the Venture Patrol, the Patrol Leaders Council and the Outdoor Program Committee to gauge interest in an outdoor activity.

 

The Troop’s camping program (including participation in an out-of-council summer camp) is voted upon at the annual Troop Program Planning Conference by the Patrol Leaders Council and approved as follows:

 

 

Day-treks and mini-treks not undertaken in preparation of a high adventure trek should be developed by the patrols under the guidance of the outdoor program counselors and approved as follows:

 

 

High adventure treks and the necessary preparatory treks (day-treks and mini-treks) should be developed by the Venture Patrol under the guidance of the Assistant Scoutmaster—Venture and approved as follows:

 

 

 

IV.  Summer Camp

Participation in summer camp is highly recommended for every Scout regardless of age.  Summer camp is the primary means by which younger Scouts complete the outdoor skills necessary for rank advancement, earn merit badges and get to know their fellow Scouts.  Older Scouts have the opportunity to hone leadership skills and participate in advanced activities such as COPE and Frontier (Mountainman) Experience.

 

Troop 93 utilizes Camp Cornhusker as its primary summer camp.  In addition, Scouts have the opportunity to attend out-of-council camps. In order for a Scout to attend an out-of-council camp, he must attain the rank of First Class prior to January 31st of the year that the troop will attend the out-of-council camp.  In recent history, the Troop has camped at:

 

Ben Delatour Scout Ranch

(Red Feathers Lakes, Colorado)

1998

Camp Laramie Peak

(Wheatland, Wyoming)

2000

Ben Delatour Scout Ranch

(Red Feathers Lakes, Colorado)

2002

Many Point Scout Camp

(Red Feather Lakes, Colorado)

2004

 

V.  Camping

Troop 93 offers outdoor camping opportunities once a month from January through November. The camping schedule is slated at the annual Troop Program Planning Conference by the Patrol Leaders Council and voted upon by Scouts in the Troop.

 

A Scout needs 15 nights of camping (in prior two years) to be eligible for election to the Order of the Arrow and 20 nights of camping (maximum of 6 nights of summer camp) to earn the Camping merit badge.  By participating in all campouts, a Scout can log close to 20 nights of camping a year.  Members of the Order of the Arrow and high adventure participants will log additional nights over the course of a year. 

 

Scouts are encouraged to keep a log of the number of nights they camp as the troop recognizes Scouts by awarding 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 Night Camper patches.

 

The Troop recognizes Scouts that camp outdoors in the winter with two awards.

 

To earn the 100 Degrees of Frost Award a Scout must:

  1. Accumulate 100 points whereby 1 point is awarded for each degree the overnight low temperature is below 32 degrees. The low temperature for the night will be determined using data from the nearest weather station.
  2. Spend the entire qualifying night (10pm to 6am) in a tent outdoors with no heat source.

 

To earn the Salt Valley Winter Camping Award a Scout must:

  1. Attend at least four Troop campouts during the months of October through March spending at least 5 entire nights (10pm to 6am) in a tent outdoors with no heat source.
  2. During this time frame, participate in a minimum 5-mile hike.
  3. Start a fire using kindling prepared by the Scout.
  4. Cook at least one outdoor meal over a campfire or on a stove.

 

Tenderfoot camping requirements:

  1. Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout.  Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.

 

Second Class camping requirements:

2a.  Since joining, have participated in five separate troop / patrol activities (other than troop / patrol meetings), two of which included overnight camping.

2b.  On one of these campouts, select your patrol site and sleep in a tent that you pitched.

 

First Class camping requirements:

2.   Since joining, have participated in 10 separate troop / patrol activities (other than troop / patrol meetings), three of which included camping overnight.

 

The camping merit badge is required for Eagle Scout.

 

VI.  Hiking

Hiking is an activity that involves little or no expense.  Scouts have the opportunity to go on Troop sponsored hikes and they are also encouraged to undertake hikes on their own.  Scouts committed to earning the hiking merit badge can complete the required six hikes over the course of a season.

 

Hikes are planned by an individual Scout and are generally half-day events with the exception of the 20-miler which is an all day event.  They are staged within a few hours drive of the city or may be undertaken in conjunction with a campout. 

 

Tenderfoot hiking requirements:

5.  Explain the rules of safe hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night.  Explain what to do if you are lost.

 

Second Class hiking requirements:

1a.  Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map.  Explain what map symbols mean.

1b.  Using a compass and map together, take a five-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian.

 

First Class hiking requirements:

1. Demonstrate how to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass.

2. Using a compass, complete an orienteering course that covers at least one mile and requires measuring the height and / or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.)

 

A hike to the summit of Longs Peak (14,255 ft.) is scheduled for late July 2005.

 

A Scout needs to earn the Hiking, Cycling or Swimming merit badge in order to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout.

 

VII.  Canoeing

Troop 93 has an active canoeing program for both younger and older Scouts.

 

Day Treks:

Pawnee Lake

2005

Mini Treks:

Niobrara River

1999

Niobrara River

2001

Platt River

2005

High Adventure Treks:

Quetico Park, Canada

2001

Boundary Waters

2003

Dismal River (50-miler)

2005

 

Scouts must be 13 years of age to participate in high adventure canoe trips.

 

Opportunity to earn the canoeing merit badge is generally provided at summer camp.  The opportunity to earn the BSA 50-Miler Award (afloat) also exists.

 

VIII.  Backpacking

Backpacking is a highly rewarding activity that is undertaken by a select and dedicated group of Scouts.  Equipment is specialized and the program is rigorous. Crew size is limited to 10 Scouts and up to three Scouters.  Members of the crew are recruited from those Scouts showing an interest in backpacking.  Selections to the crew are made in the fall of each year and new Scouts are encouraged to participate.  Given the preparations needed to participate in progressively more difficult treks, once a Scout has committed to being a member of the crew, it is expected that participation in scheduled treks becomes a priority over all other activities.

 

The Troop’s Backpacking Crew has packed in 6 states:

 

2002: 5 treks (15 days/132 miles) 50-Miler Elkhorn High Adventure Base (Colorado)

2003: 4 treks (14 days/107 miles) 50-Miler Black Hills Centennial Trail (South Dakota)

2004: 4 treks (13 days/120 miles) 50-Miler Medicine Bow Range (Wyoming)

 

The crew has a full season planned in 2005 culminating in a 50-mile trek in the Black Hills of South Dakota. 

 

The backpacking crew incorporates the fundamentals of Leave No Trace on every trek and also undertakes 10 hours of trail improvement in conjunction with the BSA 50-Miler Award.

 

Scouts on the backpacking crew have the opportunity to earn several additional outdoor related merit badges during the trek season.

 

IX.  Cycling

Cycling was introduced in March of 2002.  The Troop generally schedules 7 bike treks over the course of the year.  Those treks included: two 10-milers, two 15-milers, two 25 milers and a 50-miler.  It is required that a Scout have at least one shorter ride completed before being allowed to participate in the next longest ride.  Also, multi-geared bikes are recommended for rides over 10 miles.  Generally, Scouts committed to earning the cycling merit badge will complete their seven treks over the course of two seasons.

 

Rides are planned by an individual Scout and are generally half-day events with the exception of the 50-miler which is an all day event.

 

A Scout needs to earn the Hiking, Cycling or Swimming merit badge in order to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout.

 

X.  Wilderness Survival

Scouts are encouraged to earn the Wilderness Survival merit badge to help prepare them for situations in which survival skills may become necessary.  Although these skills may never be needed, it is nevertheless essential that each Scout be prepared.   This merit badge is highly recommended for any Scout that participates in a high adventure activity.

 

XI.  Outdoor Ethics

Instilling values in young men and preparing them to make ethical choices throughout their lifetime is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. Troop 93’s outdoor program stresses outdoor ethics and awareness by incorporating the principles of Leave No Trace,the Outdoor Code and the BSA Wilderness Use Policy.

 

The troop annually sponsors the Leave No Trace Awareness Award for those Scouts and Scouters desiring to gain a greater appreciation for our natural environment and knowledge of the interrelationships of man and nature.

 

The Outdoor Code is recited at the end of each troop meeting in order to reinforce knowledge of the code.

 

The BSA Wilderness Use Policy is reviewed by all participants prior to any backcountry trek.

 

XII.  Troop 93 Distinguished Outdoorsman

Those Scouts that participate in the program have the opportunity to be recognized as a Troop 93 Distinguished Outdoorsman.  This award can be earned by completing the following five merit badges: Camping, Canoeing, Cycling or Hiking, Backpacking, and Wilderness Survival. It generally takes a Scout a minimum of three years to earn this award. Additionally, the award can be earned “With Honors” by earning the BSA 50-Miler Award. Upon completion of the requirements, a Scout must complete an application form and participate in a Scoutmaster’s conference and a Board of Review.

 

XIII.  Troop 93 Distinguished Outdoor Leader

Outdoor activities cannot take place without the efforts of adult leaders.  To recognize the many hours and substantial resources that adult leaders bring to the outdoor program, the Troop will present the Troop 93 Distinguished Outdoor Leader award to those adults meeting the following requirements:

  1. Participate in 10 Troop campouts serving as campout program director on at least 3 of those campouts.
  2. Participate as an adult leader in one 20-mile and five 10-mile Troop hikes or one 50-mile, two 25-mile, two 15-mile and two 10-mile Troop cycling treks.
  3. Participate as an adult leader in one long-term backcountry high adventure trek.
  4. Earn the BSA Leave No Trace Awareness award as an adult.
  5. Serve as a merit badge counselor for one of the following merit badges: backpacking, camping, canoeing, cycling, hiking or wilderness survival.

Additionally, the award can be earned “With Honors” by earning the BSA 50-Miler Award. Upon completion of the requirements, an adult leader should submit an application for the award to the Outdoor Program Committee for approval.

 

XIV.  Outdoor Awards

Award Name

Type

Sponsor

20 Night Camper

Patch & Red Crow Bead

Troop

40 Night Camper

Patch & Red Crow Bead

Troop

60 Night Camper

Patch & Red Crow Bead

Troop

80 Night Camper

Patch & Red Crow Bead

Troop

100 Night Camper

Patch & Red Crow Bead

Troop

100 Miles Hiking

Patch & Light Green Crow Bead

Troop

100 Miles Backpacking

Dark Green Crow Bead

Troop

100 Miles Canoeing

Medium Blue Crow Bead

Troop

200 Miles Cycling

Orange Crow Bead

Troop

100 Degrees of Frost

Amber Crow Bead

Troop

Salt Valley Winter Camping

Patch & Crystal Crow Bead

District

BSA 50-Miler Afoot-Afloat

Patch & Yellow Crow Bead

National

BSA Leave No Trace Awareness

Patch & Purple Crow Bead

National

BSA Backcountry Leadership Award

Patch

Troop

Troop 93 Distinguished Outdoorsman

Certificate & Millefiori Bead

Troop

Troop 93 Distinguished Outdoor Leader

Certificate & Millefiori Bead

Troop